A Tale of Could-be Heroes Book 1: Hero, Dragon, Elf

Cloak and Favor: A Thane's Rise in Whiterun: part 3

Sterling came to an abrupt halt outside the Whiterun stables, his nostrils flaring as he caught the scent of the other horses. The stable master, a man with weathered skin and a friendly demeanor, hurried over to greet them. "Greetings, fair maidens. How may I assist you today?" he asked with a polite smile.

Aeyrie and Jenassa slid off Sterling's back, the weight of their journey easing as they touched solid ground. "Would you mind watching my stallion while I attend to business within the city?" Aeyrie asked, her tone courteous yet firm. Sterling whinnied and stomped in agreement, his gaze fixed on the two sleek black horses under the stable master's care. If Aeyrie didn't know any better, she would have thought Sterling was eyeing them with more than just curiosity.

"Easy, Sterling," Aeyrie soothed, running her hand along his mane. "See something you like, fella?" she teased, noticing the excited flick of his ears and the answering neighs from the black horses, who mirrored his enthusiasm.

The stable master chuckled at the sight. "Those wouldn't happen to be mares, would they?" Aeyrie asked, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

"Aye, they would," the stable master confirmed, his laughter warm and genuine.

Sterling nudged Aeyrie again, his broad nose bumping against her arm with impatient insistence. "Alright, alright," she said, glancing over at Jenassa with a glint in her eye. She stepped away with her companion, lowering her voice to a hushed tone. "How much gold did you bring with you?"

"Around six thousand septims," Jenassa replied, a brow raised in curiosity. "Why?"

"I aim to buy those mares for Sterling," Aeyrie declared, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Jenassa rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Of course," she muttered under her breath, knowing Aeyrie's penchant for indulging Sterling's whims.

Aeyrie turned back to the stable master, her decision made. "I'll buy those mares off you. How much?"

The stable master paused, considering the offer. "The older one, Alfsigr, is around nine years old and well-trained. I'd sell her for no less than nine hundred septims. The younger one, Thalie, is only five years old—stubborn as a mule, that one. I'd let her go for four hundred septims."

Aeyrie smiled, satisfied with the deal. "You have a deal, then. Jenassa, let's pay the man and tack on an extra hundred septims for him to keep an eye on Sterling."

Jenassa handed over the coin, the sound of clinking gold filling the air as the transaction was completed. Aeyrie turned back to Sterling, leading him to a nearby hitching post and tying him securely. "Try to behave," she instructed, scratching between his ears in that spot she knew he loved. "Just mingle with your new ladies, but be good."

Sterling nickered in appreciation, his dark blue eyes shining with contentment as he watched the two black mares from the corner of his eye. Aeyrie couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, giving him one last affectionate pat before turning toward the city gates with Jenassa by her side. Their business in Whiterun awaited, but Aeyrie couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction in knowing that Sterling's journey had just become a little brighter.

As Aeyrie and Jenassa approached the gates of Whiterun, the guards nodded in approval and opened the massive wooden doors without hesitation. The familiar sounds of the bustling city beyond began to filter through, but before they could fully step inside, their attention was drawn to a commotion on the stone bridge just beyond the gate.

Two Redguards, dressed in the distinctive garb of the Alik'r warriors, were engaged in a heated argument with the gate captain, their voices raised in frustration. Aeyrie's curiosity was piqued, and she approached the scene with a calm, polite demeanor. "What seems to be the issue, Captain?" she inquired, her tone even and respectful.